Pioneer Elite VSX-82TXS

Features of Pioneer Elite VSX-82TXS

The Pioneer VSX-82TXS's seven 130-watt channels are a little more powerful than average for a receiver in this price range, and since it's THX Select 2 certified, you're assured the power rating is genuine. The receiver packs all of the standard surround processing modes from Dolby and DTS. Pioneer's Ultra Digital Core Engine 2 uses a third-generation Sharc-EX chipset from Analog Devices and a 48-bit Freescale DSP processor to ensure audiophile-grade sound quality.

Connectivity offerings are exceptional, surpassing the offerings of many significantly more expensive preamplifier surround processors. Considering its vast capabilities, the VSX-82TXS rear panel is model of organization. You'll find three HDMI and three component-video inputs, plus another seven composite and five S-Video A/V inputs (including the front-panel set). The receiver's Faroudja HD Scaler converts lower-resolution video signals (composite, S-Video, and component) up to 480p, 720p, or 1080i resolutions over the receiver's HDMI output; you can set the resolution to your choice.

That impressive video connectivity suite means you can have as many as a total of six native high-def video sources (the three HDMI and three component inputs are assignable), plus a selection of upconverted high-def from the composite and S-Video inputs. And because these video streams are all sent through the HDMI output--and the Pioneer's onscreen display is available at all resolutions via HDMI--you get a seamless high-def experience that requires using only a single input on your HDTV. Moreover, HDMI sources--including the PlayStation 3 as well as Blu-ray and HD-DVD players--can pass audio and high-def video over the same HDMI cable, including 1080p video and multi-channel LPCM audio.

There are plenty of non-HDMI audio inputs as well. You'll find two sets of analog stereo inputs (in with an in/out tape loop), plus a dedicated phono input for a turntable. The 7.1-channel analog input can be used with HD-DVD, Blu-ray, DVD-Audio, or SACD players. You also get seven digital audio inputs: five optical--including one front-panel input--and two coaxial, as well as one optical output. The 7.1 preamplifier outputs can be used with a separate power amplifier.

You can connect your iPod player with the included cable, and the receiver will display your iPod's menu and allow full control to play audio with the remote; to view photos and videos, you must use the iPod's own controls--a standard restriction we've seen on all iPod docking solutions to date. If you prefer a more solid solution, Pioneer also offers an optional IDK-01 dock for iPod users. To take advantage of the VSX-82TXS's XM Satellite Radio capability, you need to buy a Connect-and-Play antenna ($50) and a $13-a-month XM subscription. The Pioneer will also decode XM's HD Surround channels.

The VSX-82TXS is a seven-channel receiver, but if you intend to use just five channels, you can reassign the Surround Back channel amplifiers to biamplify compatible front speakers (ones with separate connectors for woofers and tweeters). Biamping can produce significant performance advantages and allow the speakers to play louder without distorting.

The receiver's multiroom design lets you can play different sources--say, a CD in one room and a DVD in another. Additionally, Pioneer says that online downloads for the RS-232c interface and IR/Input will allow custom installers to add and program third-party IR receivers, repeaters, 12-volt triggers, and touch-pad remote controls--allowing multisource sound in as many as three rooms.

If the 82TXS doesn't fulfill all your audio-video needs--and we find that to be hard to imagine--you can step up to Pioneer's flagship receiver, the $1,500 (list) VSX-84TXSi, which adds a bit more power, FireWire and USB connectivity, and a second room remote.